Michelle Obama Gets Cold Shoulder from South African President

“South African President Jacob Zuma snubbed the visiting Michelle Obama by sending his prisons minister to meet the first lady at the airport and failing to see her during her three-day stay”, according to reports from The Telegraph. Yes, it is true that Zuma was traveling during one portion of the first lady’s South Africa visit. When Zuma returned, however, his officials still claimed that he was not available.

In Zuma’s defense, Clayson Monyela, a spokesman for South Africa’s foreign office said, “It’s totally wrong to suggest this is a snub….If Mr. Zuma or the International Relations minister were in the country, they would have met her. We recognize this is a historic visit, and that’s why she has been welcomed by senior cabinet ministers.” Zuma’s personal spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, stood firm on not discussing the president’s appointments simply stating that Zuma’s schedule was filled and that it could not be easily amended.